Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate

Bacitracin Zinc + Neomycin Sulphate is a topical antibiotic combination medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Superficial bacterial skin infections caused by susceptible organisms.
• Prevention or treatment of minor secondary bacterial infection in small cuts, abrasions, or minor burns when advised.
• Superficial bacterial eye infections caused by susceptible organisms when an ophthalmic preparation is prescribed.

Use only on the area and by the route prescribed. For skin preparations, the affected area is usually cleaned and a thin layer of ointment or a light dusting of powder is applied as directed. For eye ointment, a small amount is placed inside the lower eyelid as prescribed. The exact frequency and duration depend on the infection, dosage form, and patient factors; follow the doctor’s instructions and do not use for longer than advised.

• Local burning, stinging, redness, itching, dryness, or irritation.
• Skin rash or contact dermatitis, particularly with neomycin.
• Temporary blurred vision or eye discomfort after eye ointment.
• Worsening redness, swelling, pain, or discharge may indicate allergy or treatment failure.
• Rare but serious allergic reactions, including severe rash, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or anaphylaxis.
• Rare kidney or hearing-related toxicity may occur if neomycin is absorbed from large areas, damaged skin, burns, or prolonged use.

Use with care in people with a history of allergy to aminoglycoside antibiotics, chronic skin disease, extensive wounds, burns, kidney problems, or hearing/balance problems. Avoid contact of non-ophthalmic preparations with the eyes, and do not use skin preparations inside the ear, especially if the eardrum may be perforated. Stop and seek medical advice if irritation, rash, swelling, or worsening infection occurs. Use under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Other topical medicines on the same area may increase irritation or reduce effectiveness unless directed by a clinician.
• Using with other aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of allergy or toxicity if significant absorption occurs.
• Medicines that can affect the kidneys or hearing, such as loop diuretics, vancomycin, amphotericin B, cisplatin, or ciclosporin, may increase risk if neomycin is absorbed.
• If significant absorption occurs, neomycin may enhance the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents used during anaesthesia.
• No important food interaction is expected with normal topical use.

• Known hypersensitivity to bacitracin, neomycin, other aminoglycosides, or any component of the preparation.
• Use in viral, fungal, or tuberculous infections unless appropriate anti-infective treatment is also prescribed.
• Use on large areas of damaged skin, deep puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns without medical supervision.
• Use of non-sterile skin ointment or powder in the eye.
• Use in the ear when eardrum perforation is known or suspected, unless specifically prescribed.

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, use only if a doctor considers it necessary. Limited small-area topical use is unlikely to cause significant exposure, but prolonged use, use on large or broken skin areas, or use near the breast should be avoided unless prescribed. If applied near the breast, clean the area before feeding to prevent infant ingestion.

Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date, and do not use an eye preparation if the tube tip becomes contaminated or the product changes colour, smell, or texture.